Abstract A mechanism for a single pedal control of both the brake and acceleration systems of automotive vehicles comprising a pedal, a tension-producing assembly, a pedal vertical positioner, and a coupling device for applying pressure to a piston of a vehicle master cylinder. The pressure applied by the coupling device to the piston is correlated with the vertical elevation of the pedal. The pedal, through a coupling device, applies maximum braking to a vehicle when no pressure is exerted on the pedal. Lesser amounts of braking are applied to the vehicle as the driver's foot presses the pedal downwards. At a point where the pedal contacts the accelerator rod, there is zero braking of the vehicle, and the braking of the vehicle remains at zero thereafter as the accelerator rod is further depressed to change the speed of the vehicle. To maintain a constant speed, the accelerator rod is held at a constant elevation by the pressure of the driver's foot on the pedal. To slow down or to stop, the driver needs only to appropriately reduce his foot pressure on the pedal.
A single pedal vehicle braking and acceleration control system, comprising: a fluid-driven friction brake system having a brake actuator, an acceleration system having an acceleration actuator, a pivotable single pedal arranged and constructed to simultaneously contact and directly act upon said brake actuator and said acceleration actuator, a resilient means opposing downward movement of said single pedal, said resilient means arranged and constructed to automatically apply force to said brake actuator to engage the braking system, whereby, upon downward movement of said single pedal, the acceleration system is engaged while the braking system is simultaneously disengaged, and upon release of said single pedal, the acceleration system is disengaged while the braking system is simultaneously engaged.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A single pedal vehicle braking and acceleration control system, comprising: a fluid-driven friction brake system having a brake actuator, an acceleration system having an acceleration actuator, a pivotable single pedal arranged and constructed to simultaneously contact and directly act upon said brake actuator and said acceleration actuator, a resilient means opposing downward movement of said single pedal, said resilient means arranged and constructed to automatically apply force to said brake actuator to engage the braking system, whereby, upon downward movement of said single pedal, the acceleration system is engaged while the braking system is simultaneously disengaged, and upon release of said single pedal, the acceleration system is disengaged while the braking system is simultaneously engaged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A single pedal vehicle braking and acceleration control system according to claim 1, wherein said resilient means comprises a coil spring.